A 5-day Japan Tour Itinerary: Best Japan Vacation Spots Covered

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo!

Welcome to the vibrant land of Japan. Your guide meets you right outside of Immigration, and porters take your bags as you board the limousine bus that whisks you away to central Tokyo. After checking into your hotel, take time to freshen up and rejuvenate your lost energy levels. After that, enjoy your welcome dinner in the city center. 

Day 2: Exploring Tokyo

While looking for the Best Japan Vacation Spots, Tokyo ranks at the top. No Japan trip is complete without exploring the majestic Tokyo city. Hence, after resting a whole night, you might have said cheerios to the Jetlag, and hence today you are ready to explore Tokyo. Start with the western districts of the city, including Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku. Go for a walking tour or hire a taxi to save time and efforts.  Do not miss to check out the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where 100’s of people scramble across the street at once. Want to witness the best view above? Head to Starbucks or find the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station for another perfect view.

When done with the western side, stop exploring and start satisfying your hunger. Enjoy the local Japanese cuisines and return to your lodge. The next day, restart with a new side, another corner of Tokyo- the East side. Eastside has a panoply of attractions which can leave you go Aww and it includes but certainly not limited to, Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, historic Nakamise Dori shopping street, Sumida Park and Tokyo SkyTree, Tokyo SkyTree - the tallest tower in not only Japan, Ueno Park, and Akihabara District.

Day 3: Visiting Matsumoto

Get ready to board an express train for Matsumoto to reach Matsumoto which is at a 2-hours drive from your place. The drive will encounter you with the scenic views of flat Kanto Plain followed by the rugged terrain of the Japanese Alps. Known as the ‘Roof of Japan. Arrive Matsumoto just before noon and witness the sun ascending to its highest point in the sky, it is the best time of day to visit Matsumoto Castle. The Castle is an ideal spot for hanami or cherry blossom viewing especially in the Springtime. Do not miss to try out the Japanese cuisine, especially sushi along with a fresh wasabi in a variety of dishes, including wasabi juice and ice cream.

Day 4: Experience a Photogenic Wildlife in Yamanouchi and Matsumoto

Enjoy an exciting day trip to see Japan’s most famous wildlife. You will get to spot the macaque monkeys who have enjoyed Jigokudani, the ‘Hell Valley’ where thermal vents heat vast pools of water. They reside there for all the years, so their presence would not be a concern for you. Just wander your eyes high in the trees and you will spot a few of them in no time.

Day 5: Visiting Takayama – A City Frozen in Time

The Takayama city has been isolated from the rest of Japan for centuries and the barrier was the Japanese Alps’ harsh terrain. with just a 2 hour ride by a bus, you will get to discover Takayama like no other. You will find yourself surrounded by a sprawling old town untouched by modern progress, you feel transported back into the past. Do not miss to try incredible dining experience by enjoying delectable kaiseki feast.